WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The incoming Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) Board of Commissioners held a three-hour introductory work session with top NHA officials on June 7 at the Navajo Nation Quality Inn Restaurant.

The purpose of the session was to get to know one another and put names to faces and to discuss pressing topics and issues in preparation for the first official board meeting on June 10 at 9 a.m. at NHA management office.

During the three-hour session, the three newly appointed commissioners each expressed their goals and expectations.

“I appreciate the information provided,” said Commissioner Kris Beecher, who grew up in NHA housing in Tuba City, Ariz. “The work session was set to bring us up to speed and it is imperative going forward that we have good communication between the Office of the President, Navajo Nation Council, the Chapters and the Navajo people.”

“It is not going to be an easy road and we have to understand that it is imperative that we all get on the same page,” Beecher stressed to the NHA executive staff. “I’m excited to start this journey with everyone.”

Beecher was confirmed as a representative for tenant and homebuyers and is originally from Tuba City, Arizona.

Commissioner Derrith Watchman-Moore a former U.S. Housing & Urban Development official shared some of her work experience and housing challenges. “The reality of homeownership on the Navajo Nation is that it does not fit into the HUD arena and we need ideas,” said Watchman-Moore. “We know the regulations but that is not good enough – we need to be committed.” Watchman-Moore was appointed to the NHA board to fill the position of the business management professional and currently resides in Crystal, New Mexico.

“The bottom line is we have to start to figure out how to build houses and we have to make it happen quickly,” said Commissioner Sean McCabe CPA, “We need to show our government and our people that we are building those houses.”

“The reality is that this is only going to happen if we work together starting from within the NHA, to the Council and the Navajo Nation President,” said McCabe. “We are going to demand transparency and honesty.”

The first official board meeting will be held on June 10 and the first act of business will be the election of Board officers at which time the Board will address official business. NHA’s fourth Board member Frankie Lee, is expected to be confirmed by Naabik’íyáti’ Committee on June 8 and will fill the professional engineer Board member requirement. Upon confirmation, he will join the NHA Board at their first board meeting.

“In meeting the new Board and exchange of information, NHA is excited to hear some innovative ideas and ways to streamline housing service delivery,” said NHA CEO Aneva Yazzie. “With changes envisioned for new housing policies, NHA stands ready to work with our new leadership team in getting more homes constructed by opening up new developable land sites.”